Equality PA, the ACLU, and the Human Rights Campaign has been co-sponsoring a series of town hall events across Pennsylvania following the election last November. Two such events are slated for Western PA in the coming weeks. Ted Martin, the executive director of EQPA was a guest on my BlogTalk Radio program last week, and he talked about the purpose of the town halls, especially given the climate in Harrisburg, now that the Republicans control both chambers as well as the Governor’s seat. The town hall meeting portion of the evening, is followed by a social event, called “Equality on the Rocks.” Here is the info I received for the Pittsburgh events:

Considering the loss of pro-LGBT candidates in the past election, the political climate in Pennsylvania promises to be rough. Now is the time for everyone to do everything that that they can to work together. Equality Pennsylvania in partnership with the ACLU of Pennsylvania and the Human Rights Campaign is travelling the state in the hopes of starting a conversation on the future with a series of town hall meetings.

We’ve held 2 meetings so far & heard important concerns & strategies from people in the Lehigh Valley & North East PA areas. Soon, will be your chance to share your thoughts. Come on out to hear what we have planned and share your own ideas for moving forward. The meetings are open to the public of all ages.

Meetings begin at 6:30 pm and will run till approximately 8:30 pm.

After the meeting, “Equality on the Rocks” will begin. Drink specials will be available at a local hot spot while you mingle, be social, and unwind with key LGBT movers & shakers.

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and plan to attend.

See you there!

Thursday, January 27 – Pittsburgh

Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 pm

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh

www.cathedralofhope.org

Equality on the Rocks @ 8:30 pm

Cattivo, 146 44th St., Pittsburgh

http://cattivo.biz/intro.html

RSVP & see event on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/2ucgjtb

The other Western PA Event is in Erie on Wednesday, January 26th. Here are the details from the Equality PA web site:

Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 pm

Equality on the Rocks @ 8:30 pm

Both events being held at:

Mathew’s Trattoria

153 East 13th Street, Erie

www.matthewstrattoria.com

RSVP & see event on facebook: http://tinyurl.com/392hk4w